Archpriest Serhiy: Left occupation only to be arrested by my compatriots

Photo: Archpriest Serhiy in court

Archpriest Serhiy, during the court session, mentioned that it was a great surprise for him to be labeled as a traitor to Ukraine, his lawyer stated in court. He emphasized that he spent six months in occupation but always remained loyal to Ukraine. Despite the presence of Russian troops, he continuously prayed in the church for the return of the territories to Ukraine. According to the priest, evidence of this can be found on his Facebook page. When Father Sergiy arrived in Ukraine, the first thing he did was to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Among other things, the priest raised funds for military equipment and transport for the soldiers.

The archpriest also stated that the money seized by investigators was intended to be spent on the needs of the AFU. He said that the fact the money did not reach the front lines and that soldiers are not being evacuated from the yellow zone is precisely due to the investigators who seized the funds.

Additionally, Archpriest Serhiy expressed his bewilderment at facing a life sentence for inciting religious hatred, as he has always treated other religions with tolerance.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the court extended the detention of Father Serhiy Chertylin for two months.

Read also

Why Phanar recognized UAOC ordinations involving self-proclaimed bishop – historian

The Phanar compared the participation of impostor Chekalin in the UAOC ordinations to zero in mathematics: whether you multiply by zero or divide by zero, the result is still one.

Pashinyan compares Armenian Church clergy to Islamists

The Armenian prime minister said in an interview that radical political sermons are being delivered in Armenian churches.

Turkish and Greek leaders to discuss religious agenda with Pat. Bartholomew

The President of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Greece will hold a meeting and official dinner with Patriarch Bartholomew in Ankara.

Kharkiv metropolitan offers condolences after tragedy in Bohodukhiv

Metropolitan Onufriy sent words of support to the mother of three young children who were killed, as well as to their father, in Kharkiv Region.

Police in frontline Yurkivka help evacuate icons from damaged UOC church

The rector of the UOC Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos appealed to the police due to the worsening security situation.

OCU сreates “сlone” of Krupytskyi Monastery after UOC expulsion

The OCU Synod has decided to establish the “Baturyn St. Nicholas–Krupytskyi Men’s Monastery.”